It is interesting to me that in a profession dominated by foreign coaches seeking a better life outside of their homeland, I represent one of the very few Americans engaged in coaching this sport in Houston.
I've always contended that if I had an accent that I'd be coaching at the national level by now. It seems that being a foreigner adds instant credibility to coaching.
One of my favorite coaches is Italian. That isn't what I like about him. What is great about Sacchi is he never played the sport before. Obviously he grew up around it, but if I'm not mistaken, he made a living as a shoe salesman. How did he go from that to directing the Italian national team to a WC final in '94?
Without an accent and being born in Houston, I've had an uphill battle. Only time and perseverance have afforded me my position today. I mingle amongst the soccer coaching elite, and I am not self conscious about my lack of accent. I'm confident in my ability...Ciao
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Purist
Not having lived outside the US for any real period of time it is hard to imagine what the rest of the world values when it comes to art and the relationship with sport. I go back to a Patton quote that sounds something like this: "America loves a winner, and will not tolerate a loser..."
I've won my fair share of games and I'd venture that I've won far more than I've lost. I hear the occasional blurb from sports writers/announcers about how Brazilian and Spanish fans won't tolerate ugly futbol. They'd almost enjoy losing as much as winning if losing meant the quality and aesthetics were intact.
I don't know where I began to feel the same way. Perhaps I've watched enough bad soccer to want to teach others to appreciate the beautiful game. The downside of teaching the sport this way is that you have to explain to the novice parent/viewer what they are looking at when a team outplays an opponent for 79 min and loses 0-1. Frustrating to say the least, but so enjoyable to watch.
Purist: A purist is one who desires that a particular item remain true to its essence and free from adulterating or diluting influences. In my case, the diluting factor is the overemphasis for winning and getting the result. To get a result you'd have to sacrifice some of the art, creativity, and aesthetics. I struggle with this, and although I could make my life much easier by playing ugly and playing to win, I have to remain true to my core beliefs. Shortcuts in player development create instant gratification but often stunt individual growth and creativity.
My youngest players enjoy the art, my older players enjoy the skill, and my graduates appreciate the philosophy. Once again teaching the dilettante is tedious to say the least.
I've won my fair share of games and I'd venture that I've won far more than I've lost. I hear the occasional blurb from sports writers/announcers about how Brazilian and Spanish fans won't tolerate ugly futbol. They'd almost enjoy losing as much as winning if losing meant the quality and aesthetics were intact.
I don't know where I began to feel the same way. Perhaps I've watched enough bad soccer to want to teach others to appreciate the beautiful game. The downside of teaching the sport this way is that you have to explain to the novice parent/viewer what they are looking at when a team outplays an opponent for 79 min and loses 0-1. Frustrating to say the least, but so enjoyable to watch.
Purist: A purist is one who desires that a particular item remain true to its essence and free from adulterating or diluting influences. In my case, the diluting factor is the overemphasis for winning and getting the result. To get a result you'd have to sacrifice some of the art, creativity, and aesthetics. I struggle with this, and although I could make my life much easier by playing ugly and playing to win, I have to remain true to my core beliefs. Shortcuts in player development create instant gratification but often stunt individual growth and creativity.
My youngest players enjoy the art, my older players enjoy the skill, and my graduates appreciate the philosophy. Once again teaching the dilettante is tedious to say the least.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Attention
I get to actually spend about 3 hours a day coaching; or training as they call it here. Training seems like as good as a word as any since I am trying to get players to replicate an action over and over without hesitation.
I think of a trainer as someone who prepares a boxer. I got a lot out of watching Million Dollar Baby. I can see many a similarity in what I do and what Eastwood's character was trying to do. It was most relevant since we both work with girls.
Soccer enthusiasts or purists probably think the women's game is awful. I grew to really like it because I stopped comparing it to the men's game and accepted it for what it was--and is...
Soccer is soccer. You could insert any activity in its place but it happens to be my current life's work. I don't get insulted when my peers poke fun at the women's game and my contributions to it. I think they are missing out. First, girls don't have much of an ego to deal with, so right away they are more pliable and team oriented. Secondly, they really care what you think so they are always trying hard to impress you. Lastly, and most importantly to me, a hug can get a lot out of a player without it being awkward.
I had my first former player reach the professional ranks this year. She was drafted 43rd overall in the WPL draft by the Boston Breakers. I only worked with this player for 2 years; but it was her last two years. She went on to be an ACC standout. When she met me we had lunch and she told me she wanted to play pro soccer. I believed her, although there wasn't a viable league at the time, I knew she would seek one out. Fortunately there is a league of their own now...
The worst part of the job is having to explain shit to parents all the time. I don't have parental answers for them, and frankly, I'm looking for my own answers regarding my own kid. But what I do know is how to get a player to the next level. Having to reassure the player is one thing, but the extra weight of educating the parent is painful.
I think of a trainer as someone who prepares a boxer. I got a lot out of watching Million Dollar Baby. I can see many a similarity in what I do and what Eastwood's character was trying to do. It was most relevant since we both work with girls.
Soccer enthusiasts or purists probably think the women's game is awful. I grew to really like it because I stopped comparing it to the men's game and accepted it for what it was--and is...
Soccer is soccer. You could insert any activity in its place but it happens to be my current life's work. I don't get insulted when my peers poke fun at the women's game and my contributions to it. I think they are missing out. First, girls don't have much of an ego to deal with, so right away they are more pliable and team oriented. Secondly, they really care what you think so they are always trying hard to impress you. Lastly, and most importantly to me, a hug can get a lot out of a player without it being awkward.
I had my first former player reach the professional ranks this year. She was drafted 43rd overall in the WPL draft by the Boston Breakers. I only worked with this player for 2 years; but it was her last two years. She went on to be an ACC standout. When she met me we had lunch and she told me she wanted to play pro soccer. I believed her, although there wasn't a viable league at the time, I knew she would seek one out. Fortunately there is a league of their own now...
The worst part of the job is having to explain shit to parents all the time. I don't have parental answers for them, and frankly, I'm looking for my own answers regarding my own kid. But what I do know is how to get a player to the next level. Having to reassure the player is one thing, but the extra weight of educating the parent is painful.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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